Emma Willis has received the endorsement of former hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman as she prepares to lead the next series of the popular dance competition Strictly Come Dancing. Willis will co-present alongside Josh Widdicombe and Johannes Radebe, taking over from the long-running duo who helmed the show together since 2014.

Speaking at the Attitude Pride Awards held at the Chancery Rosewood hotel in London, Willis confirmed that Daly and Winkleman offered their congratulations when she secured the hosting role. “They were lovely,” Willis said, adding that while no specific advice was given, the pair shared warm wishes for her new position. “They just said, ‘Congrats, well done, you’ll smash it,’” she recalled.

Willis also outlined her vision for the upcoming series, emphasizing the show’s celebratory spirit. “We will bring fun and joy — and that’s what the show is,” she said. “It’s a big celebration of life and individuality. Hopefully we will continue to do it justice.” The new lineup of contestants includes Australian singer Delta Goodrem, alongside EastEnders actress Lacey Turner and celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton.

On the importance of diversity in the show’s lineup, Willis described it as “super, super important” and praised Strictly for its efforts toward full representation on screen.

The awards ceremony in Mayfair attracted several notable figures, including Mark Gatiss, Denise Welch, Russell T. Davies, Dame Kelly Holmes, and X Factor winner Matt Terry. Girl group Flo, who presented an award to singer and Traitors star Cat Burns, discussed their upcoming album Therapy At The Club. Group member Jorja Douglas cited The Pussycat Dolls as a key musical influence, describing the desire to capture a melodic, high-energy R&B/pop sound.

Flo also expressed interest in collaborating with artist Olivia Dean. While Renee Downer modestly questioned whether they were on the same level as Dean, Douglas noted the possibility of working together after a recent trip to Ibiza, where they planned to discuss new music.